Retno Marsudi Advocates for Palestinian Rights at UN Human Rights Council

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has taken a firm stance on the rights of Palestinians during the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 February 2024, marking the commencement of Indonesia's membership period from 2024 to 2026, the ministry said in a statement. 

In her address, Retno criticized the apparent double standards in global human rights enforcement, particularly highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She emphasized the necessity for the Human Rights Council to fulfill its purpose by addressing significant human rights violations, including those in Palestine. 

"The Human Rights Council should do what it is designed to do, to address the gross violation of human rights, including in Gaza, including in Palestine," Retno said. 

“All of us, the global community, has to stand firm for this cause. Human rights must also be at the center of the Palestinian solution” she added.

The Foreign Minister proposed three strategies to the council: enhancing the human rights ecosystem, including strengthening ASEAN's human rights cooperation and promoting women's educational rights in Afghanistan; intensifying global efforts to manage humanitarian crises, emphasizing the importance of supporting UNRWA and not politicizing humanitarian mechanisms; and ensuring equal protection and promotion of human rights, respecting every country's development rights to achieve sustainable development goals.

Retno’s speech concluded with a call to action for countries to recommit to a world where justice is impartial and human rights are universally upheld.

On the sidelines of the session, Retno engaged in discussions on the Palestinian issue with counterparts from the Arab League-OIC and the UN Secretary-General, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, sustained humanitarian assistance, and strong support for UNRWA's efforts. These meetings underscored the importance of a collaborative international effort to resolve the Palestinian crisis and achieve a two-state solution.

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